KOICA, SKICAN train Nigerian Undergraduates on entrepreneurship, intellectual property

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), in partnership with the South Korea International Cooperation Association of Nigeria (SKICAN) and JIPPCC, has launched a capacity-building programme aimed at equipping Nigerian university students with entrepreneurial and intellectual property (IP) skills.

The initiative, held under the theme “SmartStart: Digital Business and IP Skills for Student Entrepreneurs”, is designed to prepare undergraduates for life beyond the classroom by providing them with practical tools to compete in the global economy.

Speaking at the event, KOICA Nigeria’s Deputy Country Director, Mr Gymin Lee, who represented the Country Director, said the workshop was part of efforts to expose students to innovation management, entrepreneurship opportunities and intellectual property rights. He urged participants to maximise the knowledge gained, not only for self-development but also to contribute meaningfully to society.

In his remarks, SKICAN President, Barrister Joseph Oboh, said the programme sought to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical entrepreneurship. He commended the Korean Government for its continued support in promoting intellectual property education and praised KOICA’s developmental interventions across Nigeria.

“This training is another milestone in empowering Nigerian youths,” Oboh said, adding that students must apply the lessons learned to benefit both their communities and the nation.

Resource persons from JIPPCC and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) led interactive sessions focused on entrepreneurship, value creation and the importance of avoiding negative influences. They also emphasised the role of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which currently contribute over 40 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP and provide jobs for more than 80 per cent of the workforce.

The one-day workshop featured practical activities, including product packaging, protecting intellectual property, monetising innovation, and understanding legal requirements for accessing foreign markets. Participants also engaged in question-and-answer sessions with experts.

Students who took part in the training described it as impactful and inspiring, pledging to integrate the skills acquired into their academic and personal pursuits.

The initiative reflects Korea’s commitment to working with Nigeria and the private sector to nurture a new generation of innovative, entrepreneurial and globally competitive youths.